American soprano Roberta Knie passed away on March 16, 2017, at the age of 79. Knie was born on March 13, 1968, and was best known for her work in Wagner’s operas. She made her professional debut in 1964 as Elizabeth in “Tannhäuser” at the Hagen Theater. Her next major career milestone took place in 1974 when she was asked {…}
Last week, conductor Fiora Corradetti Contino left us forever, leaving a massive gap in the artistic community. The Italian-American was one of the most important figures of the 20th century, even if her profile was not given the exposure it often deserved. Contino, who passed away in Carmel Indiana on March 5 at the age of 91, founded the Amherst {…}
Famed Italian conductor Alberto Zedda passed away on Monday, March 6, 2017, at the age of 89. The conductor was born on Jan. 2, 1928. The conductor famously studied under Antonino Votto and Carlo Maria Giulini debuting in Milan in 1956. The opera of that occasion was Rossini’s “Il Barbiere Di Siviglia,” establishing him as a Rossini specialist for the {…}
Kurt Moll has passed away at the age of 78. The German bass was recognized as one of the finest singers of the 20th century and was known for his work in the German repertoire. Before becoming a singer, Moll trained to become a professional cellist. At the time he was also in the school choir and the conductor encouraged {…}
Swedish tenor Nicolai Gedda has passed away. The tenor died on Jan. 8 but the family did not confirm the news until today through France Musique. The tenor was a fixture of the opera world from 1952 until his retirement in 2003. He sang a total of 70 roles and made 200 recordings. The tenor had his big break in 1954 when {…}
Klara Takacs has died at the age of 71. The Hungarian mezzo-soprano was reported to have passed away on Jan. 21, 2017. Takacs was well regarded throughout her career and made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1982 performing the role of Adalgisa in Bellini’s “Norma.” Renata Scotto played the title role. Tacks also sang at the Vienna State Opera, Salzburg Festival and Italy’s Teatro alla Fenice. {…}
Robert Peters has died at the age of 86. The coloratura soprano, who wowed audiences for her brilliant technique and vocal fireworks, died of Parkinson’s disease. The soprano was widely recognized at the Metropolitan Opera, where she made her debut earlier than expected on Nov. 17, 1950. Peters was phoned by General Manager Rudolph Bing who asked her to step in to replace Nadine Conner, {…}
This week two singers from the world’s leading opera houses have died. Melvyn Poll After complications following cancer treatment, tenor Melvyn Poll died at 75. The opera singer who was also a lawyer, opera advocate, teacher and football booster performed in Europe, Israel, New York and Seattle. He was a frequent guest at the New York City Opera, where he made {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has announced that Georges Prêtre has died at the age of 92. The company released a statement that said, “Georges Prêtre, one of the greatest conductors of our time, had a fifty-year relationship with La Scala. He made his debut in 1966 conducting a legendary production of Gounod’s ‘Faust’ with Mirella Freni, Nicolai Gedda and Nicolai {…}